VP Abdelbagi chairs historic Misseriya, Rizeigat and Dinka Malual peace conference in Aweil
Leaders highlights deep‑rooted historical bonds forged over generations: shared grazing routes, water points, trade networks and cultural links that naturally connect populations across the dividing line
By Samuel Yuang
Vice President for Services Cluster Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has led a major peace conference uniting the Misseriya and Rizeigat communities from neighbouring Sudan and the Dinka Malual community of South Sudan, reinforcing official commitment to secure, cooperative borders and shared prosperity.
Held in Aweil, Northern Bhar el Ghazal on Thursday under the theme of strengthening coexistence, the gathering drew state officials, national lawmakers, traditional authorities, elders, youth representatives and key stakeholders from all three communities. Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Charles Dut Akol, joined proceedings alongside members of his administration.
Opening the meeting, Vice President Abdelbagi conveyed warm greetings and firm backing from President Salva Kiir Mayardit — emphasising that national policy remains anchored in sustaining peace, stability and cross‑border partnership.
He highlighted deep‑rooted historical bonds forged over generations: shared grazing routes, water points, trade networks and cultural links that naturally connect populations across the dividing line.
“Border regions must function as bridges of mutual benefit — never zones of conflict or separation,” the Vice President stated clearly. “Peace is the foundation upon which movement of people and livestock, growth of commerce, and delivery of health, education and services all depend.”
Abdelbagi raised concern, however, about persistent reports of armed groups seeking to exploit remote terrain to carry out destabilising acts. “Such elements do not speak for or represent the values or interests of the Misseriya, Rizeigat or Dinka Malual — all of whom have repeatedly chosen dialogue over confrontation,” he stated.
“Every community and every leader must remain alert and united to ensure no outside force can undermine the harmony we have built,” the vice president continued.
Addressing broader state‑to‑state relations, he reaffirmed South Sudan’s policy of good neighbourliness and constructive engagement with Sudan. Special calls went to youth groups to reject violence entirely and instead invest their energy in nation‑building and development work. Traditional leaders were recognised as irreplaceable custodians of reconciliation and local dispute resolution mechanisms.
Governor Charles Dut Akol echoed the message, calling for continued vigilance against cattle raiding, theft and lawlessness — problems that undermine trust and livelihoods alike. He pledged state support to strengthen joint security patrols and cooperation frameworks.
Luka Luac, Coordinator of Peace Initiatives among the three communities, reported measurable gains since the landmark 2020 peace accord — with cross‑border disputes falling significantly as trust improved. He appealed for greater infrastructure investment: roads, telecommunications and improved water access would further bind populations together and reduce hardship.
Speaking for their respective groups, representatives of the Misseriya and Rizeigat communities thanked the Government of South Sudan for prioritising border stability and restated their own unshakeable commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Closing the conference, Vice President Abdelbagi circled back to the core message: under President Kiir’s leadership, the national government remains fully dedicated to securing these frontier zones, expanding essential services and protecting the interests of all citizens and neighbours who choose the path of peace.